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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNORTHSIDE AZTLAN COMMUNITY CENTER - PDP - 54-05 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVESWater / Wastewater 1. Existing mains are noted. 2. We will abandon services at the mains. 3. The new sewer service is into the existing manhole on the south side of the building. 4. These standards are noted. 5. Fees are noted and will be paid as required by the project. Responses to Neighborhood Open House Comments: 1. Handball Courts: The future proposed handball courts have been expanded to 40'x 60' for two courts. The location for the handball remains north of the parking lot adjacent to the skate park. The area by the building is needed for handicap parking. The handball courts are shown as future, and will not be constructed as part of this project. 2. Parking There are 16 proposed handicap parking stalls, which exceeds the recommendations of the City Land Use Code. Signage of parking stalls will be coordinated further along in the project. local industrial development. The portions of the building that front Willow Street and the public entry plazas are more highly articulated and are richer in materials and detailing, while the more utilitarian areas are simpler in massing and detailing. The scale of the large walls of the gymnasium is broken down with score lines, textures and colors, using windows for visual relief and to allow views of the surrounding park and river from the running track that encircles the gymnasium on the upper level. Responses to Conceptual Review: Zoning 1. Noted. 2. Noted. Engineering 1. Fees are noted and will be paid as required by the project. 2. Matt Delich is preparing a TIS, and it will be is included with the PDP submittal 3. Our design team will be meeting with Kathleen's design team in January (their next meeting) to decide what or if this project should provide any improvements to Willow Street. It should be noted that the size of the building and the relationship to the existing structure puts the southwest comer of the building on the right of way line of Willow. A variance is being requested to not require the 9' utility easement, but if more right of way were required, this building would not work on the site. Also, there is 100' of right of way in Willow Street, which is much larger than any current standard. We are confident that we will be able to work with Kathleen on this item. 4. Plans, plat and permits will be prepared as required. 5. See 3. above regarding Willow Street improvements. 6. Improvements will be in accordance with LCUASS or variances will be requested. 7. Presently, we are not doing any work outside the property. Current Planning 1. Noted. 2. Noted. 3. A neighborhood meeting was held in November, 2005. Comments from the neighborhood meeting have been addressed. 4. Noted. 5. Noted. Light and Power 1. Fees associated with system modifications will be the responsibility of the Owners representative (City of Fort Collins Facilities Department) 2. We will look into the feasibility of this, Thank You. pedestrians and bicyclists to the various activities on the site, as well as creating an urban gathering area between the new building and Willow Street. The bright, open lobby first welcomes users to the building and clearly defines the location of various activities. The two-story space allows the fitness center activities to be viewed from below creating an active and dynamic environment from the first impression. Most of the lower level circulation is focused in this "great hall" rather than back corridors creating a more social environment while reducing overall non -programmed circulation space. The building is generally organized into those activities that will require membership or paid access and those that will likely be used for other community functions that may not need to pass a central point of control. The lower level of the building serves these public and community functions for a variety of reasons. The need for adjacent outdoor space, the large numbers of users that may be expected for certain events, and allowing users to participate in classes and open social uses unhindered by check -in procedures, all contributed to this organizational option. The location of the community rooms on the east portion of the building places these spaces near parking and the front entry as well as buffered from the rail line to the west. Other "community" activity spaces are organized around the central lobby including craft classrooms, the intergenerational social area and the computer lab. Staff is centrally located to have good visibility of these activities for passive security. For those users taking part in the recreational activities offered by the Center, most will need to check in at the front desk before heading to these areas. The locker rooms and gymnasium are located on the ground level for convenient use, while the balance of the activity spaces are on the upper level. The fitness center and aerobics/dance studio are located toward the west end to take advantage of the long- range views as well as the activity being highly visible from Willow Street. There is ample queuing area at the top of the stairs for waiting fitness classes and stretching before a workout. Staff offices are also centrally located upstairs to view these activities and continue a policy of passive monitoring of the building. The building's siting responds to the City's "build -to" standards, while the architectural design provides the massing, palette of materials and compatibility with neighborhood architecture required in the code. The exterior design of the building has been influenced by both the historic structures of Old Town Fort Collins and the industrial nature of the uses to the east of the site. The western "block" of the building is a modern interpretation of the historic 2-story commercial blocks found throughout downtown, using predominantly brick masonry with decorative concrete block and precast concrete details and punched window openings. The design of the lobby area reflects a more contemporary use of the forms, materials and details of nearby historic industrial and mill structures, including predominantly steel and galvanized corrugated metal, with large expanses of glass. The sloped metal roof and ridge clerestory elements are also indicative of General Project Description The project site for the Northside Aztlan Community Center is 8.70 acres adjacent to the Poudre River in the Downtown District with Heritage Park immediately to the northeast and the United Way building to the east. There is little open space on the project site with the exception of an undeveloped area west of the Burlington Northern railroad tracks and the proposed detention / water quality pond. The area west of the railroad tracks will be seeded with native grass species and left largely in its current state. This is being done in order to meet a LEED point requirement. The detention pond and bioswale will also be seeded with native grasses and plantings. The project lies outside the 100- year floodplain and there are no known wetlands on the site. Landscaping for the Aztlan Center will be primarily of native and adapted species. Heritage Park has a large area of irrigated turf used for soccer. The Poudre River Trail is located between the irrigated turf and the river. The area northeast of the trail has recently undergone a restoration as part of an environmental cleanup and has been planted with native trees and grasses. The project site is accessed off of Willow Street with a drop-off directly off the entry drive and parking tucked behind the building next to Heritage Park. The Aztlan Community Center will employ between eight and ten people to serve the needs users. There is pedestrian and bicycle access to the Aztlan Center from a direct connection with the existing Poudre River Trail and also from a sidewalk along Willow Street that leads to North College Ave. Approximate Construction Schedule: Fall 2006 - Spring /Summer 2007 Rationale The new 50,000 sq.ft. Northside Aztlan Community Center is a replacement to the existing 15,000 sq.ft. building and strives to balance the programmatic and functional requirements of a state-of-the-art recreation center with the organizational and operational needs of the community visitors, all the while honoring the needs of the loyal users of this long-standing neighborhood center. The site design is influenced by several factors, not the least of which is the need that the existing Northside Aztlan Community Center remain operational until the new facility opens. The building is sited to the Willow Street frontage of the lot in the location of the existing parking lot. Site access is gained from both Willow Street and Pine Street (through the City -owned United Way parking lot). Parking is located behind the new facility to serve the new center, Heritage Park and as a trailhead for the Poudre River Trail. Strong sidewalk links are provided to direct Ensuring that city streets and gathering spaces will link and provide connections between Old Town, the Civic Center, surrounding neighborhoods and the Poudre River. Policy DD-3.9 Landscaping. The effect of "soft" landscaping and shade trees in Downtown will be maintained in both existing and developing areas. PRINCIPLE DD-5: The Downtown District will be served by a balanced transportation system designed for motor vehicle, bus transit, pedestrian, bicycle and, if feasible, passenger rail travel. Policy DD-5.5 Parking Lots. Parking lots must be located to minimize their visibility from primary pedestrian streets, plazas and public spaces. Lots should be located behind buildings, in side yards, or in the interior of blocks throughout the Downtown District. Their visual impact can be softened and screened with a perimeter landscape buffer. Large -surface parking lots will be visually and functionally segmented to the extent practical. Land devoted to surface parking lots should be reduced, over time, through redevelopment and/or construction of structured parking facilities. PRINCIPLE PRC-1: To assure that the diverse community values of the Poudre River Corridor are protected and enhanced, land uses must be carefully managed. Policy PRC-1.1 River Segments. The Poudre River Corridor has distinct segments containing unique characteristics, opportunities, and constraints as defined below. c. Historic and Cultural Core Segment (College Avenue to Lemay Avenue). This segment of the river includes many of the community's oldest and most significant historic and cultural features, the Old Town Historic District, and the Downtown. Land uses in the area should be more flexible than in other river segments and emphasize connecting the river to Downtown, providing multi -purpose spaces that celebrate the historic relevance of the river to the community, continue the important and unique relationship between the waterway and surrounding urban environment, and maintain those natural elements of the river as it passes through the Downtown. To the extent feasible, the floodplain will be protected and natural habitat, wildlife movement, floodplain and recreational values will be maintained. Redevelopment opportunities will be permitted. Ownership and Maintenance The owner of the project is the City of Fort Collins; the United Way has a lease with the City on a portion of the property. and expanding Downtown's employment base. It will also work to expand opportunities for providing educational programs and facilities in the area. PRINCIPLE DD-3: The design of streets, parking areas, public spaces and buildings in the Downtown will reinforce the unique and distinctive character of Downtown. Policy DD-3.2 Architectural Elements Based on Human -Scale. Human -scale design and architectural elements will be encouraged in Downtown. Such elements may include signage, awnings, storefronts, and proportional windows and other humanscale building details. Downtown District Principles and Policies 188 May 4, 2004 a. Mixed -use buildings, interesting street -edge facades, and windows facing the street will be encouraged. New buildings will enhance and enliven streets and create safe, pleasant public environments. b. Blank walls should be avoided along streets, plazas and parks. If that is not possible, building facades lacking windows, and/or other architectural details facing or visible from these public spaces should be screened by landscaping to buffer the impacts of building mass, or designed to have architectural details that add visual interest to large walls. Policy DD-3.3 Architectural Elements to Maintain the Integrity of Downtown. New buildings and public spaces will respect and be sensitive to the design integrity of Downtown, such as: a. Enhancing visual continuity and sense of place through the use of building materials and design features sensitive to the character of Downtown. b. Reflecting excellence and high quality in their design. Policy DD-3.5 Public Safety. The design of buildings, parking areas and streets will provide a sense of security and safety for users. Adequate lighting, visibility and location of facilities collectively will add to a secure 24-hour environment for employees, students and visitors. Policy DD-3.6 Design of Streets and Public Spaces. Streets and public spaces within Downtown will be attractive, accessible, functional, and designed to enhance pedestrian and bicycle activity, such as: a. Using public art, landscaping, and other street features that will create a comfortable and pleasant environment for the pedestrian, while providing continuous and clearly -expressed pedestrian circulation linkages to interconnect the Downtown District with surrounding neighborhoods and districts. PRINCIPLE OL-3: A variety of recreational opportunities will be provided to the community through a diverse and interconnected framework of open lands including parks, trails, community separators and natural areas. Policy OL -3.1 Corridors. Trails along streams, drainageways, and irrigation ditch corridors should be dispersed throughout the City, provide public access, and link Open Lands Principles and Policies 130 May 4, 2004 neighborhoods, parks, activity centers, commercial centers, and streets where compatible with natural habitat values utilizing environmentally sensitive trail design. Policy OL -3.2 Urban Public Space. Small pocket parks, public plazas, and sidewalk gathering places should include "street furniture" such as benches, and be incorporated into urban designs for the Downtown District, Community Commercial Districts, Commercial Districts, and Residential Districts throughout the City. PRINCIPLE DD-1: The Downtown will provide a balanced mix of land use activities. While encouraging a mix of land uses throughout the Downtown, the predominant land use character of each sub -district will be maintained. Land use intensity should decrease as distance from the center of each sub -district increases — establishing a transition between urban uses and adjacent neighborhoods. A mix of housing types for all income levels, family types, and age groups, with a variety of prices and rent levels, will be encouraged. Poudre River Corridor Sub -District Policy DD-1.16 Land Use. Principal land uses adjacent to the Downtown include a mix of public conservation and recreation areas, retail, offices, residential and light manufacturing. Development and redevelopment opportunities, including both public and private activities, will enhance and extend the existing Downtown uses and character toward the river, provide an adequate buffer between new development and the natural riparian environment, and integrate cultural and recreational opportunities into this area. PRINCIPLE DD-2: Promote and expand facilities, programs and events that reinforce the Downtown as the center for cultural, recreation, and entertainment in the community and region, and expand educational opportunities in Downtown. Policy DD-2.1 Arts. The City will support performing and visual arts, and the display of public art in the Downtown. Policy DD-2.2 Cultural/Entertainment. Increase the number, diversity and clustering of public and private entertainment facilities such as a new performing arts center, open air amphitheater and stages. Policy DD-2.3 Education. The City will encourage a partnership between education, cultural, and business institutions to improve opportunities for learning Policy T-5.2 Connections. Pedestrian connections will be clearly visible and accessible, incorporating markings, signage, lighting and paving materials. Other important pedestrian considerations include: a. Building entries as viewed from the street should be clearly marked. Buildings should be sited in ways to make their entries or intended uses clear to and convenient for pedestrians. b. The location and pattern of streets, buildings and open spaces must facilitate direct pedestrian access. Commercial buildings should provide direct access from street corners to improve access to bus stop facilities. Shopping areas should provide for pedestrian and bicycle connections to adjoining neighborhoods. Policy T-5.4 Sidewalks. Sidewalks will be designed, constructed, and maintained to provide safety, comfort, and a "walkable" community. New development will follow adopted design standards for sidewalk design. Older, existing streets will be retrofitted to provide improved, widened, or detached sidewalks in conjunction with capital improvement or maintenance projects. PRINCIPLE CAD-2: Public spaces, such as plazas, civic buildings, outdoor spaces, parks, and gateway landscapes should be designed to be functional, accessible, attractive, safe and comfortable. Policy CAD-2.1 Civic Buildings and Grounds. Civic facilities -- such as community buildings, government offices, recreation centers, post offices, plazas, libraries and schools -- should be placed in central locations as highly visible focal points. The urban design and architectural quality should express permanence, importance, and respect for broad citizen preferences and community identity. Major public buildings should have a civic presence enhanced by their height, mass and materials. In addition, public buildings should: a. Be accessible by motorized vehicles, transit, bicycles and pedestrians. b. Be integrated into a setting that includes generous landscaping and/or public outdoor spaces. Policy CAD-2.2 Public Space Design. Mixed -use commercial and civic design proposals should incorporate one or several design components related to public outdoor space including pedestrian circulation, transit facilities, plazas, pocket parks, sitting areas, children's play areas and public art. Policy CAD-2.3 Entryways. Community entryways will be enhanced and accentuated at key entry points to the City including interstate interchange areas, and other major arterial streets leading into the City. PLANNING OBJECTIVES FOR THE NORTHSIDE AZTLAN COMMUNITY CENTER December 21, 2005 Applicant/Consultants Project Manager: Steve Seefeld City of Fort Collins Architect: Aller-Lingle Architects Shaun Moscrip 712 Whalers Way, Bldg. B, Suite 100 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-223-1820 Landscape Architect: EDAW, Inc. Kurt Friesen / Earen Russell 240 E. Mountain Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-484-6073 Civil Engineer: NorthStar Design Mike Oberlander 700 Automation Dr., Unit 1 Windsor, CO 80550 970-686-6939 Electrical Engineer: I.E. Systems Craig Perry 7550 W. Yale Ave., Suite B-130 Denver, CO 80227 303-988-9305 City Plan Principles and Policies PRINCIPLE T-5: The City will acknowledge pedestrian travel as a practical transportation mode and elevate it in importance to be in balance with all other modes. Direct pedestrian connections will be provided from places of residence to transit, schools, activity centers, work and public facilities.